1,000 lights against violence against women

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This is the start of the UN campaign "Orange the World", which lasts until the Human Rights Day on 10 December. In Zug the "16 days against violence against women" are being organised by the Triangel-Beratung, Soroptimist Zug, the Frauenzentrale, the Frauenkirche Zentralschweiz, Pallas Self-defence and the Hostel for Women under the slogan ‘Frauen-sind-unschlagbar’ (Women are unbeatable).

Bernadette Kannewischer, President of the Commission for the Women's Hostel and Foundation Board member of the Liebfrauenhof Zug Foundation, reveals in an interview why domestic violence is still a major topic in the canton of Zug.

Bernadette Kannewischer (left) and Regula Grünenfelder in the middle of the lights on the Zug Alpenquai.

More than 1,000 lanterns were lit along the Seepromenade in Zug on Sunday. Did you help with this?
I was there to inaugurate the Licxhterkette (Light chain) action. It’s important to set a signal for a peaceful coexistence in the canton. The campaign is important in that it raises public awareness about domestic violence - which has been taboo for far too long.

More than every fifth woman in Switzerland is affected by violence, and the trend is rising. Is the problem increasing?
Around 90 percent of the women who come to the hostel for women have been affected by some kind of violence. The number has increased, but this may also have to do with the fact that women today dare to report it.

What women come to you, and for what reasons?
All women, with or without children, regardless of nationality or religion, will be accepted by us in emergency situations. Most are affected by violence, some by forced marriage or by trafficking of women.

How do affected women get into the women's shelter?
Our house is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The first contact takes place via the telephone number 041 727 76 86. An affected person, a specialised agency can be involved, or the police who are called out due to a situation that has escalated.

How are women protected?
Our house is well secured and the address is secret. In case of an acute danger, the police are very quickly on the scene. Among the women, security measures such as switching off the mobile phone location and the obligation to the secrecy of the site are discussed.

What can the women expect on entry?
First and foremost, it's about women and their children feeling safe, calming down and sleeping again without fear. We have three social workers working with women to clarify the situation and work out a possible strategy for the future. A social worker supports women in looking after their children, who are often scared and traumatized. In addition, the women and children are accompanied by day-care workers.

How long can women stay in the hostel?
Up to half a year, but on average they are with us for about four weeks. We can accommodate a maximum of eight women and their children. Above all, it’s important that the situation can calm down. There are always women who temporarily go back to their violent husband after an incident. Many need several attempts to solve themselves. Our point of contact is all the more important, and it is appreciated.

A vigil will take place at 6 pm on the Bundesplatz in Zug on 29 November and 5 December.
Further information: www.frauen-sind-unschlagbar.ch